[Skunk]

Originally posted by Yorick: To those that believe they solely own their own lives, I would ask how they brought themselves into this world and what they did to earn their life.

Your 'argument' effectively states that you own nothing; for example you can not possibley 'own' a computer - because you did not create the minerals from which it is composed.

As a result, everyone has the right to tell you what to do with it.
Indeed, on that same basis, I am telling you to stop writing posts on your computer - it is my right, as co-owner of your computer.

Originally posted by Yorick: I have required assistance to use a lavatory. I have lain on a table, naked, lying in a pool of my own shit and blood in a hospital. I have fallen asleep and woken up in my own vomit in a hospital. I have needed assistance to walk down a hall, shower, shit, eat. All in hosptial.

But you were not terminally ill - unless you claim to be a ghost?

Originally posted by Yorik: Life is such a gift, and each succeeding moment an undeserved miracle I treasure. To throw away that gift... would be the highest insult to those that have loved me, to those that brought me into the world, to my God who gave me the spark of life.

If life is indeed a 'gift' - then it belongs to those to whom it was given. That is the differerence between a gift and a loan is it not? Or was your life 'loaned' to you?

You claim that your God gave life to you - that's fine - it's your right to believe that and act accordingly.

My life however, was not given to me: it was simply the result of a biological process. My body is a collection of minerals and my mind a series of electric impulses - and no, I have no 'soul'. And when I die, my body will return to the earth and atmosphere and feed the next generation of life; the energy and minerals will be scattered into multiple new organims in the never-ending process. That for me is the most beautiful aspect of death. And it is my right to believe in and put science before any notions of deities.

Originally posted by Yorick: I do not present strong opinions without reason. What I have learned, the values I now hold are hard won. I am a Christian BECAUSE of difficult experiences, not because I am naive and sheltered. I have extensively tested my faith, which is why I am SO ASSURED that what I believe is true.

Nonethelss it remains your opinion and no-one has the right to force their opinion on others to the point that they end up exercising control over the lives of others: that would be slavery, pure and simple.

I am equally assured of the 'factuality' of my convictions on the basis my own life experiences. I have also extensively tested my beliefs in an arduous world and come to my conclusions on the basis of hard logic and scientific study. So should I now deny all religions the right to worship and live their lives in service to their gods and goddesses because I believe in the totality of the righteousness of my convictions?

I do not believe so - I do not believe that I have the right to physically force my beliefs on others. I will forcefully argue and debate my cause - but I will never attempt to seize the lives of others against their will - and I don't believe anyone else should either.

There is *no* love involved in forcing your will upon others.

[ 10-22-2003, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: Skunk ]